The Tigers offer such an unpleasant environment that the team must throw above-market money at free agents.

John Lowe discusses the reality of being the Detroit
Tigers in today's Free Press: it is such an unpleasant
working environment that the team is willing to throw
above-market money at potential free agents to entice
them to play there. When he asked team owner Mike
Ilitch if he was willing to pay a premium to players
to help them overcome their trepidation about playing
for a losing team in a spacious ballpark, he answered,
"Yes, I will. It's unfortunate, but that's what
happens."

Is this wise?

APThe Tigers will break the bank to land Miguel Tejada.

In the case of a blue chip free agent like Vladimir
Guerrero, yes. If the only way to lure a sure thing
like Vlad to town is to throw a little extra coin his
way, then by all means, do it. However, in the case of
a player who can be replaced off the waiver wire for
something close to the major league minimum -- then
it's a very bad idea indeed. For instance, there was a
report in yesterday's Detroit News that the Tigers
were interested in Fernando Vina. This is a perfect
example of the kind of player they shouldn't be
overpaying for. In fact, this is the perfect example
of the kind of player they should be avoiding
altogether. At this stage of his career, Vina would
probably be a good fit as a backup on a good team, but
he's not going to help the Tigers begin their long,
slow climb out of oblivion -- especially if he's eating
up a few million dollars.